This is the third installment of a series of interviews with experts in English education aimed at offering tips, trends and information related to English learning and teaching in Korea. – Ed.

Korean learners and educators prefer American English, including its accent and idiomatic expressions. The evidence: Korean textbooks on the subject are mostly if not entirely based on American English.

Lee Chan-seung, CEO of NeungYule Education, said such dependence on the single variation of English is passι, as other countries are increasingly adopting a policy in favor of what is called “World English.” » Continue reading “[EYE ON ENGLISH (3)] Lee promotes ‘World English’”

This is the fourth installment of a series of interviews with experts in English education aimed at offering tips, trends and information related to English learning and teaching in Korea. – Ed.

English education in Korea is a huge industry. Hundreds, if not thousands, of English study books are being published every year and a growing number of parents are sending their kids to English-only kindergartens.

But the majority of Korean learners struggle, something often attributed to the methods they use and ineffective education policies. » Continue reading “[EYE ON ENGLISH (4)] ‘Work smarter, not harder’ to learn English”

This is the fifth installment of a series of interviews with experts in English education aimed at offering tips, trends and information related to English learning and teaching in Korea. – Ed.

Lee Keun-chull does not believe in perfection when it comes to learning English. After all, trying to obtain a high level of English proficiency in every field is not only impossible, but fatally discouraging.

“The most important thing is to have a purpose-based approach,” Lee said. “If I want to sell clothes at Dongdaemun market, I will focus on certain expressions, and if I want to become a reporter for an English newspaper, I will focus on writing.” » Continue reading “[EYE ON ENGLISH (5)] ‘Purpose-based approach’ to English”

This is the sixth installment of a series of interviews with experts in English education aimed at offering tips, trends and information related to English learning and teaching in Korea. — Ed.

By Yang Sung-jin

Stephen van Vlack, professor of the Graduate School of TESOL at Sookmyung Women’s University, said Korean parents should help their children develop in both Korean and English, particularly concerning literacy skills.

With expertise in theoretical and applied linguistics, van Vlack also said that authentic reading is a “doable” strategy for most Korean learners, while providing detailed steps as well, depending on proficiency levels. » Continue reading “[EYE ON ENGLISH (6)] Better English through reading”